Sport scholarships up for grabs

Olympic sailor and gold medalist Peter Burling was the recipient of one of the BayTrust Athlete and Coach Scholarships. Photo/File

Rotorua athletes and coaches are being encouraged to enter the next round of BayTrust's sport scholarships, which applications have now opened for.

The scholarships recognise both athletes and coaches aiming to support and assist Bay of Plenty sporting talent to achieve on the national and international sporting stage.

The scholarships are funded by the BayTrust as part of their contribution to Sport Bay of Plenty's CoachForce programme.

Residents across the Bay are encouraged to enter before the closing date next Monday with the hope their coaching expertise and sporting talent is retained in the Bay.

The Athlete Scholarship applications are available to any athlete from the Bay of Plenty aged 16-23 who has achieved national representation at their sport, while the Coach Scholarships are for those currently coaching at a recognised and endorsed level by their respective regional sporting organisation or equivalent body.

Applications highlight the exceptional sporting and coaching talent that exists within the Bay of Plenty region and these scholarships demonstrate an appreciation for the hard work, commitment and dedication that these athletes and coaches give to their sport and communities.

The scholarships have seen Sport Bay of Plenty and the BayTrust support talented high achieving locals.

The most well-known athlete recipient to date is Olympic sailor and gold medalist Peter Burling who competed at the Rio Olympics.

Other past athletes include: Sam O'Dea (Volleyball), Joseph Millar (Athletics), Dirk Peters (Mountain Biking), Kurt Pickard (BMX), Natalie Peat (Surf Life Saving), Amanda Landers-Murphy (Squash). Past coaches include: Melanie Bennett (Basketball), Aaron Osborne (Canoe Slalom), Jay Carter (Golf), Moehewa Armstrong (Rugby League), and Julieta Diaz (Synchronised Swimming).